Depression Today Is a Growing Epidemic: Deepika Padukone

On Tuesday 12 June, Deepika Padukone shared a message by The Live Love Laugh Foundation (TLLLF), the organisation she founded for issues surrounding mental health.

Shared on her Instagram, Deepika used the examples of the recent suicides of designer Kate Spade and chef Anthony Bourdain to spark new dialogue and discussion about depression, the misunderstood illness.

Every 40 seconds, a person dies by suicide (WHO). We are reminded of these grave statistics when the loss is centred around prominent individuals who are mourned across the world. Last week, the world lost two of its shining stars to the growing epidemic that is depression. They did not take their own lives. DEPRESSION did.

Deepika Padukone

55 year-old Kate Spade, a renowned designer, was found dead in her apartment in Manhattan on 5 June. Her death was deemed a suicide by hanging. Only later did her husband reveal that she had, in fact, been fighting depression for many years. Following Spade’s death, US suicide hotline saw a 25 percent spike in emergency phone calls.

On 8 June, celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain hanged himself in his hotel room in France. He was 61 years old.

Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain were pioneers in their respective fields. They both carved a niche for themselves by doing the unexpected. They not only (sic) changed the world of fashion and food forever but were also loved by millions across the world.

Deepika Padukone

Deepika then poses the question many people would have as well: if these people were so successful and seemed to “have it all,” how could they fall into depression?

We don’t ask why someone who “had it all” was detected with a fatal illness, why someone who “had it all” broke their foot or why someone who “had it all” met with an accident. Just like all other illnesses, depression does not discriminate. Asking someone to ‘snap out of it’ is like telling a person with a broken foot to continue walking.

Deepika Padukone

The foundation seeks to reduce the stigma, spread awareness and change the way we look at depression and other mental illnesses. It urges those suffering from the illness to reach out, seek help and share their feelings.

There’s absolutely no shame if you suffer from depression. Please don’t hide it, feel angry, think of yourself as weak, or consider it a character flaw. It is not your fault if you are depressed. Acceptance is the first step on the road to recovery.